Christopher Galbreath took home the win at the Kittrell Pitch competion Wednesday night in Stowe Hall.
The Kittrell Pitch Competition, funded by alumni, Marty Kittrell, allows business and entrepreneurship students to gain experience by showcasing business ideas in front of future investors for cash prizes.
The panel of judges included business owners, entrepreneurs, partners of the business program and alumni of Lipscomb. Students Hope Bridges, Michael Oruma, Christopher Galbreath, Hannah Kraebel, Becca Dean and Michaela Lee all pitched a unique business idea they had created and researched.
Each presentation explained in detail the product/service and how the business solved a common problem. Each student also showed the target market for their business, the marketing strategy, potential competitors, a projected timeline for the business and the expected sales. After each pitch, the judges had the opportunity to ask questions gaining more depth about the businesses.
Hope Bridges was first to present and introduced her product “Crock Creations,” a fast and easy way for working families and students to make healthy meals.
Next, Michael Oruma shared his business, “David’s Harp” a music/event venue and recording studio based in his home country Nigeria. Michael shared his passion for music and how he strives to allow kids in Nigeria to feel that hunger for passion.
“I want to give opportunities to young kids and musicians,” Oruma said. “My goal is to make the world a better place, and for me, that starts at home in Nigeria.”
Galbreath showcased his handmade coffee mugs that are part of his business, “Life Made Ceramics.” Christopher sells his coffee mugs to students at Lipscomb and has partnered with The Well Coffeehouse to establish a larger market.
“We live in a mass produced world,” Galbreath. “Everyone has the same stuff.”
Hannah Kraebel and her brother created “Capped,” silicone lids that fit onto any coffee mug. “Capped is for the conscious global consumer,” Kraebel said.
Becca Dean showcased her project next. Dean said she strives to help employ the large population of refugees in Nashville through “Foundations Clothing Co.” The simple and basic wardrobe allows women to dress up and dress down using the same versatile clothing.
With the last pitch of the night, Michaela Lee presented her business “Defiance Fitness” a motivational and physical training service to help people get over mental and emotional obstacles.
After the students finished pitching their ideas, the judges left to deliberate the first place $2,500 prize, the second place $1,500 prize, and the third place $1,000 prize.
The judges named Dean third place, Kraebel second place and Galbreath first place.
These winners will immediately qualify for the final competition held in the spring, where they will compete for a first place prize of $10,000 and personal advising from Lipscomb’s Center for Entrepreneurship.